Finish Well…

Very blessed to have gotten this in the mail from Betty Phillips. I am thankful for the reminder and for all of you who have been praying for me, texting me and reaching out. You have lifted me up and kept me strong, focused and relying on the Word of God and His army of angels. I have been so blessed.

“Then David said to his son Solomon, ‘Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear not be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.'” 1 Chronicles 28:20

Here I am getting down to the final few months of chemo treatment and I am thankful and excited to be done. I had my MRI yesterday and they told me that everything was stable…no changes from last time. Brain tumors are crazy little guys and literally need the hand of God to work in there and I am blessed to have the Lord beside me. And I am thankful to see and experience His presence each day as He holds me up and heals as I need. As I lay down on that MRI table and got shoved into the machine, yesterday it was a 2 hour experience. CRAZY! I was pretty tired after that! The first machine wouldn’t work and so I was moved to a different machine, ha! It was quite a morning with everything going on, but thankful that I got done fast enough to get to soccer at school. Only 4 more chemo months and then I’m done. Just praying for the Lord to hold me up and help me FINISH everything He’s given and to follow the example of Christ and to FINISH WELL! May He be glorified!

Trying to get back into the routine of life after spring break hasn’t been easy. It’s hard because we get into the soccer season for high school and then it’s time to take a week off and then get back and start again. It’s a hard time for the seniors too, because they basically are ready to be done when spring break ends. It makes it crazy at home, school and on the field.

One of the things we had to get done, was getting Garrett’s Senior pictures taken. I am very thankful that we were able to get them in and we headed down to Benton to get some “Urban” looking photos with Krystina Bullard. Very thankful for her taking them and I look forward to seeing the pics! (You can find her on Facebook at K.Bullard Photography)

I was very blessed to celebrate my bday at spring break, but I had to share these breathtaking flowers from my Aunt Carol. Aren’t they beautiful?! What amazes me, I’ve had them for two weeks and they still look GREAT!

One of the crazy things we did two weeks ago…. get a sweet little puppy. OK I know we are nuts, and honestly, most people that know me know I would normally say no. There’s something that happens when you realize that life is short. There’s no guarantee on decades to live, so I knew the kids really wanted another dog. Scott has wanted one two 😉 so, he did some research and we ended up with a golden retriever. It took us DAYS to name him. Hard to get 6 people to vote for the same name. Honestly, Nathan still struggles…but, we went with Samson. I really wanted a name that meant something. Samson is going to have long hair, be strong, look to protect us and be good looking, ha! As we thought about Samson in the Bible, our little puppy could be name Samson and it would be perfect. We call him Sam/Sammy too. He is sweet and he loves being outside. Hardest part is the crate training sleep zone. Mom’s know that when you have a baby you are just waiting for them to make noise, so you don’t sleep well. What were we thinking????? Nathan loves his baby “brother.”

Abbey, Ashton and Garrett are refs at church for Upward Soccer. They are loving the opportunity to watch kids play – with little pressure! It’s fun for them to see their friends and to be able to enjoy kids and families on Saturday mornings. We headed up with Samson last week and he was a hit! Tried to get the boys back there to join the pic, including Garrett, but not as photo happy! Nathan was busy working on his water science experiment when we got back from Spring Break. We were thankful we got it done.

I have been very blessed by my girls this year. It’s been a harder year, just fun to see these ladies develop and to get to know some new ones. With my brain thought slower this year, there’s been a lot of stuff that I’ve forgotten or haven’t done how I would’ve wanted. But, God has been good to give me help and great captains and a gracious team to keep me laughing and focused on helping them improve. The girls were sweet to pick pink as their game day shirt color (my girl color). Please continue to pray that the ladies stay feeling good and we have no injuries.

One of the blessings for me is knowing a lot of the girls that play at other schools (club soccer ties) and some of the coaches. I have been blessed to be given gifts and encouragement from other schools. Some of my favorite things about this year will for sure be all these memories and prayers from so many. Some of the coaches got together and got these socks made for the girls and Cabot’s coach has been such a great prayer warrior and coach friend to me. I am thankful the Lord put Kerry here at this time…He knows what I need. The socks will be great socks for the girls for the future. I hope they will remind them that there is always HOPE if we are FOCUSED on Fighting with and behind the Lord – He is my Warrior and has allowed me to become a Warrior He can use to lead and draw others to himself. How can I not be just so blessed?!

One of the things we have done as a team, is hopefully encourage younger students with what they desire to do. We were able to go to a couple elementary schools and I wanted to share a couple pics from one of the schools. It’s good for the girls to be able to speak in front of people and invest in lives growing up.

I don’t share much about my teaching day. I teach film to 10th-12th grade students. Now I know you are wondering if I’ve made a movie or why I’m teaching this. Well, my broadcasting degree and two years of television anchoring gives me the opportunity to teach “television” classes. I wish with all that’s gone on, I had been able to do more this summer and get some more stuff organized…but, the Lord has given me great students and we love to learn and spend time together. Who knows how many of these students will choose to be in this profession, but hopefully they will learn some professional things and personal things while they hangout with me. I am also blessed with my fresh fruit juice from the Humphrey family, she teaches here at the high school. And my students get to see LOVE in action. The juice is GREAT!

There are so many students in my life that have grown up and continue to get older and they make me feel older….. how does that happen? I have been blessed to hangout with teens since I was first married and I must like it so much I’m still here! But these ladies are on fire for the Lord and I love to see how the Lord is choosing to use them on their college campuses…and how he will in a future marriage!

I am so looking forward to Easter and celebrating all that the Lord has done for us by saving His people and offering eternal life with Him through what Christ did for us on the cross. He didn’t have to… but His love is so great for us, that He was willing to die in order for us to experience His heart and spend time with Him. I pray that your Easter experience is wonderful and you are able to really experience HIM. Nothing else compares.

He has held me and brought so much into my life through these experiences and I am blessed and thankful!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

I start my chemo Tonight. Please pray for continued healing, for the Lord to continue to keep my body feeling good and for good rest and focus. There’s a lot going on in the next 6 weeks and I need to be ready to go.

Pray that I’m able to organize all the kids summer trips for the summer, graduation events, soccer season and banquet….Abbey and Ashton’s 16th Golden Bday. It’s a lot to organize and I’m going to need get stuff done!

Steady In the Wind

Before we left for spring break, I was blessed with my Warrior coffee mug from Nikki Funk for my bday. I am so thankful for it and for where I am in the Bible as I read through it and see David as a warrior as he battles and believes.

The past couple years have been different for me since I had a hard time finding much time to get ready to pack for spring break since I’m teaching and coaching and BUSY ALL day long! After having my radiation and chemo, my memory you know has been struggling a bit, so I try not to spend too much time looking too far a head, because I’ll forget ANYWAY! When we were a couple days away from leaving I started to panic a bit. Trying to make sure we had all we needed for our trip and getting everything finished at school, and taking a look at what to expect when I get back. UGH! But, I was so thankful. The Lord gave me all the energy I needed and direction that I only had to really buy one thing I forgot when we got there – not bad!

We had most all of our stuff packed up and ready to go on Saturday morning driving all the way to Tallahassee. I had my Chemo pills with us so I could take them at night on the way and the first few days we were there. I thank the Lord as I take the pills and I am thankful that He has sustained and enabled me in so many ways even when I’m taking those 5 days a month. The Lord has been so faithful and good to me. I am blessed.

Once we got to Marco Island, we got out of the car and excited that it felt pretty good outside. Have to laugh because, it got cooler and was definitely too cool for me to be swimming. The clouds were busy covering up the sun a bunch while we were there and so it make it very cold by the ocean. Those of us who don’t live close to this water beauty the Lord made, we are amazed to just sit and look at it. I have to admit, with everything the Lord has done for me, I get tears in my eyes all the time. “Lord who am I that I get to see this? Who am I that you have called me to be your child? Who am I that I am able to be with you? Who am I that you desire to use my life to bring others to you? Lord, humbled. Lord you are big, great and for people to miss you…. they are missing out on so much…. no they are missing EVERYTHING!”

One of the highlights for me while there, was getting to see my Aunt Helene and Uncle Dick. They came down to see us and eat lunch with us one day. They are such giving people and are so good to encourage us and make us laugh. Dick is a great fisherman but, we weren’t able to fish with him this time. But, being able to see family we don’t get to see much, is such a gift. (Again – tears). We were able to see them again when we drove closer to where they are for a few months in the winter. So glad!

When we first walked down to the beach…I saw something. First thing I saw. Yes this pink shell. I had a lady ask me if I have breast cancer and I explained to her what I had been diagnosed with. Course I give her the quick version and what I understand! I don’t know every thing! Why pink? Well a long time ago when I started coaching, I wanted to show my girl players that we could go out on the field and play hard and aggressive, but then we could come off the field and be ladies. That was ok and I chose to demonstrate that starting with my pink color. So now you know why I do pink everywhere and why my pink shell was so awesome!

We spent time at the ocean walking and enjoying the sand. It’s amazing how the wind can affect the temperature and how much colder it gets when there aren’t any trees or buildings around to cut the wind down. Scott enjoyed running by the water, Nathan enjoyed building in the sand with everyone and the girls enjoyed taking pics! Garrett just walked around and explored a bit. It’s fun to see the kids hanging out and conversing with one another. Nathan’s biggest negative – his sunburn! You would think I would know better – I do, yet because it was cloudy the first couple of days, I didn’t think too much about sunblock. Nathan didn’t care about the coolness, and he was burned for a few days 🙁

While we were there I was able to celebrate my 28th bday! I’m feeling a bit older and I am blaming the chemo….ha! But, Scott and the kids blessed me with great meals and a sweet Key Lime Pie cupcake thing. I have to admit, I ate key lime pie 3 times this week!!!!! Geez.

I also loved seeing all the dolphins there. The first team Abbey and Ashton were on were called the dolphins. I ended up doing a bunch of research on their personalities and characteristics and I loved the idea of what a dolphin is and what a great mascot for a team. So everywhere we went I was reminded and thankful for all the girls I have been blessed to coach and how much that has meant to me in my life. Love you girls!

One of the fun things we were able to do was to see the dolphin Winter from Dolphin Tale. Really neat to just be reminded that so many people and animals undergo difficulties, taken down in the waves….and how we deal with them has such impact – good or bad. Looking at Winter without her tail and knowing that her people friends provided what she needed, here she is now living her life and impacting others. A dolphin is doing this… so what are we doing to effect the lives of others and to build them up? The new dolphin there is named Hope….and her signs were in pink…..so I had to take pics!

When I think back to memories of my childhood, getting away and experiencing something, is one of the easiest and most cherished memories I have. I love seeing the kids interact, I love watching Scott enjoy time away and seeing us laugh while we do things we don’t normally get to do. Vacations away are a gift full of memories.

Where we stayed we were able to watch the sunrise from our room and set outside our front door. I’ve never had the opportunity to see both so well. I admit I was in awe of the Lord as both pieces of art were seen everyday. To think the Lord gives us a daily wake-up to see Him and know Him… and yet so many of us miss Him in it. I know in my own life there have been plenty of times where I have not been focused on Him and been “too busy” doing things. Sometimes it’s not being too busy, it’s being to comfortable and relaxed that I allow the devil to speak lies into my life and I miss what the Lord desires for me to hear and do.

As I said, I have been reading through the lives of Saul and David in the Old Testament. I am reminded so much of what living for yourself looks like and where it gets you or what humbling yourself before God looks like and desiring Him for each and every step you take – amazing difference. King David didn’t live a perfect life, but he desired to follow the Lord in everything he did – the Lord called him His own and blessed him, and us with Jesus who came from David’s line.

I have not been a crier like I am now. But, one of the greatest gifts the Lord has given me through this battle is a warrior’s heart, dependent on the Lord and filled with His Hope each and everyday. I get emotional just thinking about what He has done for me and through me. He reminds me so often to believe what He has said and live this Truth steady in the wind as I hold on and believe in Him! As I read my Facebook history for today from 9 years ago…. the Lord reminded me that He has been walking with me and preparing me for years…. for the battle I am in. He has been SO good to me.

Boldness from the Lord….

I loved reading this verse this morning as I was getting ready. I have really been surrounded by the angels of the Lord through each step on this journey. The Lord has been so good to hold my hand and remind me that He has given me His angels to walk with me and deliver me. I just love that He reminded me again this morning what He has already done and continues to do. I am blessed to be free of fear and free of worry. He has called us to use our lives to be bold witnesses for Him and He has given us His boldness through His Spirit. Thank you Lord!

As I shared last time about the healing the Lord has done already and the surprise by the doctors, I just love knowing He is doing something because I physically can feel Him healing my head. I have never had this happen before, but as the Lord continues to remind me, “daughter I am here. You are surrounded by my angels and I am walking with you. Trust me and know that there’s a purpose in all of this!” So, I have to praise Him and say I wasn’t surprised nor do I spend time thinking about what’s going on with me. The Lord sends His healing hand to me and I smile and thank Him. I thank Him for the healing, but also for the reminder that He is here and that He is working in my life and in the lives of others. I am blessed to see Him do amazing things! He Has and Will do great things for us!

Our Valentine’s card from Nathan. So Sweet!

Goodness little Nathan. He has really started writing so much deeper and I love listening to him as he passionately plays the piano and wants to play tennis. It’s been so great to wake up in the morning and hearing him play the piano before he goes to school. He really loves music and singing. I’m excited to see how the Lord will choose to use him in the coming years.

Garrett has been busy working and finalizing maybe what he wants to do next year. University of Central Arkansas is his top choice and he has started finalizing what he needs to do to go there. He also got HIS BRACES OFF! He looks super cute and I can tell he took good care of his teeth the last couple years wearing those things. He has really enjoyed his time helping on Sunday morning at church and I think he enjoyed the opportunity to direct some of the filming on Sunday. It’s hard to see in this pic, but he’s third in there.

Scott has been busy doing some Razorback games and will do the basketball State Finals coming up. It gives him a chance to do some of what he used to, but not occupying his time with it all. We are really hoping that the basketball team goes to the state finals so he can call Bryant in the football championship and basketball this year. The other picture I put above this was a learning experience. We went out to dinner one night and were given the opportunity to visit for a VERY long time while we waited to get hungrier and more ready for our food. Bless the other people in there and just the staff. By the time a couple hours finished and Scott still didn’t have food, we were laughing and just trying to get out! Memory maker!

We are very busy starting soccer games and getting our team together. It’s been a joy but challenging as well. When I think about the fact that two years ago I had no thought about doing this and was good just thinking about watching Abbey and Ashton play high school and I would watch. But, the Lord had a different plan and I have enjoyed just the time I’ve had with the group and hopefully helping them improve on and off the field.

At the beginning of the year, one of the most fun things the parents get to do is to decorate the lockers in the locker room before the first game. The girls all love it and love to see what their families did. I’m not going to lie, it takes a LONG time to get these together and do it. But – it’s a blessing! We loved putting up a few notes from family too! Ashton said her favorite picture was one of Garrett hugging her when she was probably 11ish and we scrimmaged the boys team. She said it brought tears to her eyes. So sweet!

I have been so blessed …. and no that shin isn’t mine! It’s Abbey’s leg and as I always tell the girls I coach….. this is from her WEARING shinguards…so without them who knows what could’ve happened in practices!

There is a group from Stuttgart who are such a blessing to send sweet things to cancer patients. I’ve enjoyed my bath ball smells by my bathtub! Such a special little treat. One of the students in my class was sweet to make me tennis shoes with a “Film” theme. She drew film and old cameras on it. Thanks Katie!

As I look at these girls I see at least three hours a day, I’m reminded of my memories and experiences from when I was a student. The Falcon paper was from my college days. There I am number 4, playing in the Final Four Tourney. Having the memories, but so much more that I learned and the experiences developed me into the person that I have become. So many details I don’t remember about playing soccer, but the friendships and memories around the game that still run through my thoughts a bunch – are so fun!

As I am reading through the Bible, I am in Deuteronomy right now. Spending time reading about the law and the repercussions for choosing to do what you want without listening and following the Lord’s law is deep and hard to read sometimes. Yet, it makes me smile and say, “Thank you Jesus. Thank you for coming and seeing my guilt and taking my ugly sin and deciding that you would die for me, so that I could receive YOU!” I am just so often thankful for what the Lord has done. When you see students hurting, struggling, going their own way – my heart hurts and brings tears to my heart. It opens my mouth to let them know they are loved and to share my life with them. The Lord doesn’t desire for them to live hurt – he LOVES them. But, they don’t know. We encourage them to LIVE however they want, while they continue to be brought down by the devil and his lies. They will never experience peace or joy and they won’t know love, without Christ. Thank you Lord for providing everything we need so we are never left without you when we seek you! He is SO GOOD!

I have my blood work appointment Wednesday. Last time I was in there they were very happy with where my numbers were…. I am constantly reminded how the Lord watches and takes care of the small details for me. He has blessed me so much! I love this from Tozer below. If we were never challenged or life stayed the same, we would never take or find opportunities to grow and know the Lord more. What a blessing to have been called by Him and for Him to continue to call me and walk with me.

Live Like You Believe

“Do NOT FEAR…I will uphold you.” Isaiah 41:10

This won’t be long and really all I would need to say is….God is good and He knows. Today I had my MRI and bloodwork and then visit with my doctor.

They blessed me with what felt like a shorter MRI…wasn’t feeling cramped and tight like I usually do in such a small space. I sang in my mind and prayed. The Lord is so good to pass the time while I’m in there. Getting my blood work done I got to talk to a woman who was there for her first day back at work since having a baby. Was precious to hear about the joy and her experience.

When we finished there it was time to go up and see my doctor. Dr. Ong is a wonderful lady and even before she came in Lynn our nurse was such a blessing to us. Long and short of it is that God wants to remind these doctors that He’s got me and got this. Back when we started treatment the hope was to contain in the brain…not to see God heal. Well God is a healing God and He has the ability and desire to bring healing. My HOPE is in Him!

I love that my doctor was impressed and even the radiologist called my doctor and my doctor was worried it could be bad news she missed. That’s the only reason he calls she said. But, he was amazed at how good my scans looked. I’ve put a picture here below. The far right shows the one tumor in October and then December and now. Far left was today.

Some may be surprised or wonder how…. But GOD! He’s got this thing.

My other tumor is steady and not doing anything so they are happy with it. Course if the Lord desires to remove it….He can! Right now it is highlighting my radiation I had – so that’s the color- and so the tumor that I have, is different than before.

I want to thank everyone for their prayers and for their continued desire to encourage me and to praise the Lord with me. The Lord has His story to tell through this and through my life. He desires to amaze others and who am I…..who am I, that I get to be a part of it. Wow!

‘”If you can?’ said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23

The Lord…He Is Mine

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

John 15:12

Let me just say how unworthy I am for the Lord to love me like He does. He has been so so good to me. He lifts me up and I just have tears in my eyes so much. Whether it’s singing, hearing His voice or reading His word. He is my rock, comforter, the One who holds me up and the One who never leaves me. He is … my everything.

Valentine’s Day is this week. So often we spend so much time focused on this one day and we live “better” that day, YET choose to live and love less the other days. What if we lived each day dedicated and desiring to LOVE others around us….EVERY moment of EVERY day, living like Jesus did? No matter what the other person has done to us, said about us or how they decide to be to us? How would that change us and maybe even them? Your faith would be strengthened, your joy would be complete and God’s love would be lived out through your life.

It’s been a busy busy month for me. Coming back from Christmas break…it’s soccer in full gear going 100 miles an hour. But, I love it. I think about the time and energy that coaches in my past gave me in order to develop the player I became and to motivate me to keep going and making sure I improved. I am so thankful for them. They make me want to be a better coach and make me want to continue to develop the girls. I have a very strong senior class that has been such a help to me. They are always there to hold me up and to make sure I have everything I need. I am blessed by them. With all of the treatments, I confess, eeeekkkkk….. my memory isn’t as good as it used to be – but, I’m thankful because it’s getting better, I can tell. The seniors have helped me and continue to want to improve, which makes me push forward to focus on their goals. I am so thankful they want to work and come every practice working hard. I need that… and the rest of the team does too.

Our team got to watch one of our players sign a letter of intent to Ouachita Baptist University to play soccer. We are excited to see Maddie play there and it was fun to celebrate her opportunities. My assistant coach, Jessica Brown has been very helpful to me as I try to set up things everyday, and I’m thankful I’m not alone.

I have been so blessed by so many people at school. My sweet sophomore neighbor Austin, grabbed me mozzarella sticks for part of my lunch the other day. Since I can’t drive and I’m so busy heading from class to the fieldhouse, I never get to go get anything. He was so sweet and I am thankful that he asked me and even bought them. Good parents teaching him!

Went great with my soup!

The Lord has blessed me by other ministries who continue to pray for me and mail me sweet things. So many places to get involved in to make someones day and to encourage them as they battle. If you’ve ever wondered if you should get involved and if you could do anything, YES you can! You doing things brings joy to others and if will encourage you too. My friend Robyn sent me this Warrior necklace I wear everyday now. Her words were so encouraging and reminded me of the work the Lord is doing. He has been SOOOO good to me!

Every day I see a bunch of students in the hallway and some of them don’t have me, but the Lord knows who I need to see and when I need to see them. He has given me opportunities to grow with students, to teach them Truth and to share and show love to them. I have always thought I loved others…. but going through what I have gone through has grown my heart and opened my eyes to finally see others with a full heart of Christ and it has been an amazing time.

Yes I coach soccer, but the other athletes at school have allowed me the opportunity to give them game pump ups or to encourage them in the hallway, class or field house. I’m their adopted coach and sometimes adopted mom. And I love it. They bless me with smiles, hugs and they listen to what I say and usually laugh or give me a fist bump. I love interacting with students… they keep me going and keep me focused.

Today was a super exciting day! My assistant coach in club, Louis texted me and my friend this morning as we were sitting in church, to tell us he was getting baptized at church! I was super excited. The girls, Nathan and I ran over there with Addi and Nikki and got to celebrate with him and his family! Wow what a blessing. Also got to see Alonso, we coached against each other when the girls were little, he was back in town from Costa Rica. His family told me they pray for me every night. Humbled. Humbled. Lord 🙂 He has given me prayer warriors around the world.

My family has done so much to encourage and continue to move forward one day at a time. I love the times we’ve been able to have the opportunities to just love one another. The Lord has blessed us with cool nights for fires, rainy days to relax and sunshine to be outside. I am thankful for that. Nathan is busy as he has started piano and still loves playing tennis. He loves to come and hangout with the soccer girls while he waits for me. We only have 11 more practices until the soccer season begins. WOW! Time has flown by. Garrett is going to decide his college by the end of this month and I know he’s ready to get started on all he needs to do. YES my hair is growing back!

The Lord has given me His Word everyday and He speaks to me deeper and more than I have experienced before. He lifts me up and by His power and presence the devil stays away from me. The Lord gives me the energy I need, the ability to do what I’ve been called to do and the mind I need to depend on Him but, to complete what He’s called me to do. Wednesday of this week I go in for an MRI to check out how my brain is clearing up. I trust in my Savior and I know there’s nothing on earth that He doesn’t have complete control over. He has given me His peace and continues to move me forward. Everyday I have tears of joy as the Lord continues to grow me and tell me to stand and share what He is doing.

We all go through difficult times and we are called to take the road the Father has promised with His blessings. I loved reading and studying about the early church. To be reminded today that we are called to BE DEVOTED to God’s Word, studying and worshipping with others, celebrating and taking communion to remind us of who loves us and what He has done and to be faithful in prayer – to have a relationship with our Father. Everyday we wake up and before we walk out the door, let’s pray to be devoted to these things. It’s not something we do once a week, it’s a daily, hourly and sometimes more! But, it’s not a task…it’s something Acts tells us God’s people enjoyed. The deeper we devote ourselves, the more we get to enjoy and experience Him like never before. And nothing else…NOTHING else can compare.

Ashton made this for me a while back. I put it above my bathtub. The only way we are told we CAN love, is because God showed His love first. Thank you Jesus for choosing to sacrifice yourself for us, so that we might experience you like never before. To be able to talk to you and be with you. Thank you for taking me by the hand and reminding me that you will never leave me and your love IS here in me through your Holy Spirit so that I might share and show you to those around me. Use me…use me to bring you praise and glory!

#hopewarrior

It’s January…Soccer Soccer

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. ” Romans 1:20

The Lord is telling us, showing us “I’m HERE – Look HERE – don’t miss me!”

Isn’t God good? To see His design and how He can move color and light is amazing. I have really learned to love and experience God’s creation more and more every year. We have the opportunity to just thank Him and worship Him in these moments. What a blessing!!! Can we really look at this sunset and not wonder – who made it, how did He do it and what does He want from my life? So often we are running around so much, that we miss the BIG signs that God is here with us.

I’ve been crazy busy and I’ll admit a bit tired (I’m living life around here!) but, God has been good to keep my focused and give me the opportunity to spend with Him and worship Him. I am thankful…so thankful for these moments.

I had to pretty much finish training these girls this season. We were supposed to play in a college showcase and that got rained out. All of them will play for their High School teams and so we are unable to do both at the same time. These ladies and their families have been a blessing to me and I am honored to have them play for me and to know they have prayed for me and with me. Can’t always experience that in school ball as much, but when it’s club…there’s no line and I love it! Love you girls!


Abbey and Ashton have enjoyed time with their friends. We’ve gone to a few basketball games this year which has been fun. It’s been different not having the girls play, but also so much more relaxing…I guess for me I have kids on all these teams so I’m into every game I go to anymore. Too many kids that don’t have parents there that I know or they are in my class and some call me “mom” but, I am blessed to get to watch them play.

I have to admit, I love seeing the girls talk and share time together. They have such a good “twin” relationship and for that I’m thankful. They don’t have to be around each other, but they get along fine and as far as I know have never been in a “fight.” So thankful for that.

Nathan has been busy. He is loving music right now. He’s been to two piano lessons which he loves. We had to do lessons on Wednesdays which stinks, but we are hoping that we can change it in fall. He likes to practice and he loves to sing. So we shall see what the Lord is leading him to.

I put a bunch of pics below. Just great blessings the last couple weeks. Was blessed to get some more oils to help me in my treatment. Very thankful and I smell good! My high school soccer girls are working hard and desire to get better. I am blessed to be helped by them in so many ways. We got SNOW! I love just sitting and watching the snow come down. It was so nice to just sit and watch it come down hard and heavy. It didn’t leave any on the ground, but it was beautiful.

Scott and I went out to dinner with the Funks (our friends) and while we were there we got to see Alan and Pam (some friends from our old church) and then we got to see some other friends Angie and Scott before we walked out the door. So great! We ended up having to get a new washer and dryer after we had water all over the place. But what a blessing to get some and I love watching them do their work! Thank you Lord. The last picture….I know I look crazy as a fireman. But I loved and was blessed to go to Rick’s retirement party. Thank you for your service all these years.

I was sent this card and necklace from my friend Robyn. What a great reminder for me everyday that we are in a battle. An enemy that desires to kill, steal and destroy and I am thankful everyday for the army of angels that surround me and my Savior who stands in front of me and besides me to help me with all of my needs.

Thank you everyone for the prayers. I know the Lord is hearing them and giving me the energy and ability to do what He’s called me to do. I am thankful. I am blessed and I know that God is working and moving through this. I finished my 6th treatment so I am thankful for that. Praying for the Lord to provide my every need and for Him to live in and through me every day. He has a plan and will use THIS situation to bring glory to Himself and tell others, “listen up! Look at Me, Find Me.” I desire to be like that sunset and I know that He will show up and out BIG! Thank you FATHER!

Be Blessed! #hopewarrior

Christmas Time … is Here

This year was the year for Winter Kamp with my side of the family. It meant heading north to Minnesota to see my parents, 5 siblings and their spouses and then the 14 other grandkids. There really is no place like home.

Making the drive up to MN, there’s always two things you are watching: for the snow and the temp drop. We saw no snow in Missouri and really didn’t see any in Iowa on the way up. We had to get into MN to be able to see a bit of snow. This snow slopes I’m showing is a place you can go and ski/snowboard. I always went there at least once a year. Lot’s of fun. While we were heading up to Mn there wasn’t a bunch of snow in the forecast, so I was a little bummed. There wasn’t much snow on the ground either. But, the Lord brought us some snow while we were there and it was coming down hard. Lot’s of fun to see.
For Christmas Eve services we went to my parents church. Had a great time in worship and a huge blessing to see my best friend from high school, Stephanie Erickson(Foster). I haven’t seen her for years so seeing her was a special gift to me. She and I would spend hours laughing and training and playing soccer together. Thanks Steph for waiting for me so we could get a hug in!
  • Processed with VSCO with c1 preset
I couldn’t believe how much time Nathan spent outside in the little bit of snow we had the first day. He was outside forever. The girls were the ones pulling the cousins around in the snow. They claimed their running counted as team running…LOL! Goodness the little cousins loved having older cousins to pull them around.
After being outside for a long time, it was time to come in and cuddle with the kids and help out with inside games. Garrett led the 1000 piece puzzle making. He (and some helpers) finished it in 3-4 hours. That’s the picture of us putting last piece in. We enjoyed learning some new games with the aunts and uncles. There are so many cool games out there and unfortunately we don’t play them enough. Too much going on that we don’t carve it in to do it. Going to try to do better.
  • These ladies are my aunts. My mom is in the middle and these are her sisters. It’s always a blessing to see them. They did a lot for me growing up and my early married years. Very blessed.
  • Processed with VSCO with c1 preset
One of the days we went on a sleigh ride with a couple of horses back in the woods. It was so pretty with snow all over the trees. Not going to lie, it was cold. But, with blankets and coats…. you just get used to it and it’s not bad. Scott even survived. Loved watching the kids running down the hills with the snow everywhere and just enjoying watching their little cousins enjoying the moments.
We had fun at the Mall of America. However, it was very busy. So even if you want to eat at 1:45pm for lunch, there’s going to be a wait. We went to the Aquarium there and grabbed a couple cousins and my brother to go through it. Had a good time. It’s amazing to me how much they add on to the mall as time goes on. That thing was built when I was in high school. Pretty and fun at Christmas, as long as you aren’t in a hurry.
It was a huge blessing to have two of my brothers living closer to my parents now. They were able to host a lot of what we did to give my parents a break. Plus gave us a place to stay. The kids were loud. Not going to pretend they weren’t! It was a race all the time around the houses. Garrett found that the kids loved him a bunch! He’s really great with kids and loved the hugs and chases, ha! Ashton and Abbey were always carrying a kid around and playing with the kids. They enjoyed their baby time and babysitting so my siblings and our spouses could go to dinner. Nathan grew up this time. He did a better job being the “older” person instead of wanting to be the youngest! With 18 cousins, so far, and 14 of them are under 7….it’s a crazy time!
Abbey made those verses for each of my siblings. Did I mention that I have twin nieces now? What a sweet blessing for my sister to share with me. Such sweet girls. I pray….I pray that my nieces and nephews will love Jesus as much as I have been able to. When I was giving my little nieces and nephews a hug before we left…. I almost just broke down. We have no guarantee for tomorrow no matter what we are going through. But, I never spent a lot of time thinking about “my end”, until now with my diagnosis. I don’t think about it a lot, but it occurred to me, that I may never see my little nieces and nephews grow up. But, with cancer or not, that is that case for all of us. Each day, each hug, each smile, each moment is a gift and could be the last one. How would you want that to be? How would you want to be remembered? Life is short. It is. We spend too much time complaining and looking at how “bad” things are when we should be thankful and living the blessed life we’ve been given. I pray you take time to really live this way….You will be blessed. After all of this… we said goodbye to my family and headed home…..
When we got home we went to Stuttgart to visit and have Christmas with Scott’s parents. And we got to see our only living grandparent for Scott and I – Nanny. She loves Jesus so much. I am thankful for that. I feel so blessed that she prays for me and has all of the people she knows praying for me. She’s never thinking about herself at 97. Thankful she will be spending eternity with me. That sunset….was so beautiful and such a blessing. It was a picture of joy, hope and love just all wrapped up. When we left, Nathan, Scott and I went to the house to celebrate New Year’s Eve and the older teens went to have fun with friends.
It was nice getting back to town and back to some routine. Saw some of my girls a couple times at the school. Getting ourselves ready for the soccer season. We start100% when we get back Monday! Please pray against injury for these girls and for the girls to develop as hard as they work.
I”m reading through the Bible with some ladies. I’m using a different Bible this year and using a couple of books to help me think through some things. As I was reading about Noah today, I was really reminded about how so often, we allow what’s going on around us direct us and lead us to places that we don’t need to be. Noah walked with God. No matter what was going on around him, he chose to follow the Lord. Even when he was told to build the ark, which took 120 years, he did everything God commanded of him. I’m sure his neighbors wondered and laughed at what he was doing, yet that didn’t keep him from following what God had told him. As the world around him chose to live a different way, he chose to follow what God said, no matter what happened around him. How often do we give in to others or our circumstances instead of fully relying on and depending on the Lord? Our natural self, will do what we want and what is “good for us”. And we will miss out on what the Lord has set up for us. Don’t allow your circumstances to bring you away from the Lord. Trust Him and Follow Him each and every day. Many Blessings to all of you…Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Prayer Requests:

  • That I may feel prepared and ready to really get going on soccer and school stuff on Monday. I feel more behind this year.
  • Pray that my energy level is high and my focus remains where the Lord has me
  • For the Lord to continue healing my body and killing the cancer cells
  • For us to help Garrett in his final college decisions and helping the girls as they choose where they may want to go and where they would want to play soccer.

I am With You Nicole…Do NOT Fear!

“Count it all joy, my brothers (and sisters), when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3

Wow Lord, Wow!!! What a day and crazy couple weeks. Just a quick update here at the beginning of this. Today I had my doctor appointment which started at 7:00am. Now, I was thankful to be able to done and leaving by 11:30am, but I’ve never had a dr appt that early before! Scott drove me and I got my blood draw and then waited on my MRI. Here’s what I realized: don’t drink coffee before you have to get your MRI. I didn’t have to use the bathroom in the middle of it, but I was ready to get up and move around not lay still!

Anyway, being in those machines is unexplainable if you’ve never been in there. You have to decide early that you are doing it and that you can do it….I remind the Lord to hold my hand and help me relax and think of things to think about. When they have your head locked in and you are about 4-5 inches from the top of the cylinder as you lay down, you gotta not be claustrophobic. I’m usually ok, but with a body ready to move today, I admit it was more a struggle today. But, the Lord is so good. We prayed for people, sang songs in my head, ran through Bible verses and thought about things. It’s hard to stay too focused because of the loud booms and noises that go on. After a while they come on over the loud speaker to tell me they are going to send the chemicals into my veins to be able to see what’s happening. You feel a cold drain run up your arm and into your shoulder and then it runs into the rest of your body. They continue to take loud images and then stop everything and pull you out. They told me I was in there for 40 minutes. Longest time….long time.

I am thankful that I didn’t have to push the emergency button to get out and that the Lord gave me what I needed to handle where I was at. When we finished we went up to meet with the nurse and doctor. I was told that my platelet counts were good but my white blood cell count was low but not low enough for them to change plans. As we looked at the two tumor areas…one of the areas was smaller than before (unexpected) and neither area showed activity, which is good. Dr. Ong was pleased with where we are and also told me she and her husband pray for her patients overnight by name. Isn’t that a blessing?! I also got to see one of my soccer player’s grandmas (Mammi), because she works at UAMS. Kate Duncan she was a sweet blessing today to me!

We also had a special special visit from Betty Phillips, from south Arkansas. She came to see me in the waiting room and bring dinner for tonight! All while taking her husband in for a doctor appt. We know her son and family. Listen, when people live in a belief that God doesn’t exist or there’s no way to believe it. I’ve believed, I’ve had faith, I’ve known…. but God has been so good to remind me that He is here and He is lifting me up and holding me. He has filled me with His Hope – which is real and lasts and pulls you through difficulties. I don’t know what He is doing in and through this, but I’ve seen Him do too much that He brings me to tears almost everyday. The calls, text messages, conversations, cards, letters….God touches people and to see Him do it, well it’s AMAZING.

Chemo pills will resume tomorrow night and go for 5 nights. Please pray that I don’t have issues, since it’s Christmas and we are traveling. I also have been told I need to gain about 5 -1o pounds. I feel like I eat all the time already! May have to eat popcorn again every night!

It’s been a good couple of weeks. The kids have enjoyed a lot of the ugly sweater themed things. Sort of funny… Girls have had parties with friends and we will do a party with the high school team tomorrow.

Girls have enjoyed club soccer and with a bit of a break and the start of high school…it’s new things going on. I am very blessed to have such great ladies to train and to be an influence over. Tuesday I got to stop a fight in the Parking lot, while loving on a girl that hit a car. Didn’t know any of the teens, but God is so good to just be given a chance to love on kids. Was very happy too. Also got to see one of my BSF gals – Mary Kate Arrington, who was brining me some veggies and a sweet HOPE ornament and beautiful cross – she got to relive high school life!

Nathan had his Christmas program and he enjoyed himself. He’s going to start piano after Christmas. He’s really enjoying singing and writing. He’s been writing a “novel” about the kids in his class and the made up stuff they do. I think he’s on chapter 8 or 9. Ha! He loves his teacher and looks forward to seeing what he gets to do each day.

Garrett had his last Christmas Band Concert last night. So amazing to see and hear how much better these kids have become over the years. Loved their sweaters and songs. Garrett found out he had gotten a 33 on his last ACT so he is pretty set for college. He was very happy and I know he trusted the Lord to lead him through it.

We are getting ready to leave for Minnesota for part of the Christmas break. We are ready to be cold…maybe not…. but see snow!!!!! We will get to see the 14 cousins who are all under 7! Our kids will be busy…and aunt and uncle will be too!

CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR:

Good sleep

Time to work on some exercises I need to be doing for my hip

To gain some weight

For the Lord to continue to clear up my tumor and make them gone!

Thank you for the prayers and blessings!

He reminds me “Fear Not, Nicole, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, Nicole, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

Christmas Time…Be Ready to Share His Hope

“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.  And if someone asks about your Christian HOPE, always be ready to explain it.”

1 Peter 3:15

I’ve not written in a bit.  I could name a few reasons that seem “ok” reasons, but, honestly I’ve been busy with so much stuff.  Which is good but, also CRAZY!  I am thankful for the many ways the Lord has reminded me of His Hope and sent me others to LIVE His Hope and encourage me with it!

We are slowing down our club soccer stuff and transitioning slowly into high school soccer.  It’s so amazing to believe that after Christmas we go full out with high school expecting season to begin the end of February.  We will have games to play in the winter weekends for league and college showcases.  It’s amazing to think we are at the time where girls are deciding whether they really want to commit to soccer in college or whether playing now is all they really care about.  It’s a huge deal and takes time for players and parents…. and I guess coaches!   My high school girls joined me for a Thanksgiving party and we were able to do some shopping for kids in need and do a scavenger hunt at Walmart.  Thanks Walmart!  They were nice and gave us some coupons to help us out.

One of the exciting things that happened around here lately, was that our football team won state!  This was huge.  First time ever and obviously Garrett and the girls have friends that play so that makes the games even more thrilling.  Fun for me to look out there and know that I coached some of the boys in soccer and then they chose football.  It’s been great getting to know these guys again and also to get to know new players that I didn’t know last year.  The guys had some good leaders and I enjoyed player game day chats and doing what I can to pour into their lives with their classmates.    

One of the many blessings I thank God for is that students tell me prayer requests they have and really get deep when they have things they need to talk about.  They want to hear what I have to say and I am a counselor that has been given a classroom….at least that’s how it feels most days!  But I am thankful that the Lord has given me an opportunity to minister to so many students.  There are so many that are hurting and dealing with so much that it’s heartbreaking.  This picture below is from our pep rally before one of the last football games.  Garrett is in the back somewhere with the band.

Scott has been busy last weekend and will be this weekend doing the TV broadcast of the football finals.  He’s enjoyed it and was a treat to have our own school in the finals.  It’s been a while since he has done TV football play by play but, he was born to do it easily so it sounded great.

One of the things we have enjoyed the past couple weeks is our fire pit.  I loved being able to sit outside with Scott and the kids that were around and just enjoy the outside.  The weather is definitely cooling down around here and making it feel like winter is close.  Living without much hair has made the cold, feel colder!  I’m always in a hat keeping this head warm.

We are still being blessed by people who come by here to drop off a meal or  text me to just remind me that I am being prayed for.  I am so thankful for that.  People have asked how I am doing and I feel good…different but good.  I do what I can to take some oils, take naps in my car and eat healthy.  I can tell there’s something going on in my body, but it changes so hard to pinpoint exact things.  And before all of this, my body was pretty strong and didn’t change too much!  It could  be age now too…right?????!!!!!!! I will be heading to the doctors office in a week to check my blood counts…which have been good so far.  The following week I get another MRI and have a dr appt.  

When we go to Minnesota, we will see my 14 nieces and nephews.  Hard to believe there are so many! We will see my newest ones – the baby twin girls. All my nieces and nephews are under the age of 7.  So amazing!

Prayer Requests:

Good blood counts the next couple of weeks

Great looks on the MRI that continues to show tumors dead and I’m praying they are gone

Prayers for feeling good during Christmas break as we had to Minnesota to see all of my family.  I’ll be taking chemo pills and I am just really praying for good rest while we are gone.  

Prayers to know when I should go see someone and ask questions and not just ignore things

BLESSINGS and Take time to really praise and glorify the Lord as we get ready to celebrate His birth and coming to save us!  As I mentioned before with my students, we are given opportunities to share the message of Christ…but there’s no easier and better time then at Christmas.  God promised to send His son to bring salvation and to save His people from eternal separation from Him.  He simply asks us to TRUST Him and put our Faith in Him and all that He has said.  May Christmas be about Christ for us!

“Remember your promise to me; it is why only HOPE.  Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.  The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your instructions.  I meditate on your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me.”  Psalm 119:49-52